Crystal Palace must quickly forget their contentious defeat against Liverpool if they are to beat Reading in the FA Cup quarter-finals and book a trip to Wembley.
Palace are on a 12-match winless run in the Premier League following Sunday's 2-1 reverse against the Reds.
However, the defeat was not without controversy as Damian Delaney was adjudged to have fouled Christian Benteke in the penalty area deep into injury time and the Belgium striker converted the spot-kick.
But Palace can ill afford to dwell on the setback as they prepare to travel to the Madejski Stadium on Friday seeking further solace in the FA Cup.
While they have struggled in the league, the world's oldest cup competition has provided some respite for Palace, with Southampton, Stoke City and high-flying Tottenham all beaten en route to the last eight.
Veteran Julian Speroni may be handed his first appearance of the season, but no matter who gets the nod, Ledley has defended McCarthy's performance.
"He doesn't go out there to make a mistake, no one does," Ledley told the Croydon Advertiser.
"He slipped and I actually feel sorry for him because he was fantastic and made some good saves."
In Reading, Palace face a side that reached the FA Cup semi-finals last season, where they were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal – a costly error from goalkeeper Adam Federici allowing Alexis Sanchez to score the winner at Wembley.
"You don't want to lose a game 3-1 away from home, but this result will have no bearing on Friday's game whatsoever," he told Reading's official website.
"We're looking forward to a great night on Friday, in front of a full house at the Madejski and there will be plenty of great nights to come."
